The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1887-02-24
"OUT OF THE COMMON"

"OUT OF THE COMMON"
And the sunlight danced in at the
window and turned her hair to shining
gold; touched the crisp gray locks Of
John Rogers, and made 4 friendly
circle of light and warmth about the
pair.
Il could not 60 against mammals
wishes, you know" the young lady said
gently. playing with the ring on her
left hand. She has had long talk
with me this morning, and. though |
knew she disapprovcd of our engage
ment. never realized before how her
heart was set against 1t. -"
And you do not think by patient
waiting-by proving how earnest we
are"
mo, John. Mother cannot look on
it as we do; she realizes all the disad-
vantages and none of the hopes that we
have built on; and them" the young
latfy glanced down once at her delicate
hands before she 'would it
be quite fair, John, tor me to wait,
and let all other opportunities glide by,
and grow old and sad while l waiied?"
John started. There was so much
caution suggested in the words. No
doubt she was but repeating them after
her mother, bnt they fell chillingly on
his ears from those young lips.
lit is true, Maud" he answered,
while look of pain fingered on his
face ''You shall not let other CHANCES
Of happiness slip by because you are
bound to me. it is not the love |
thought YOU gave me-a love which
trusts and hopes in patient faithfulness
/ am no longer young. dear. but l have
risked much on this dream of love COM
ing late in life, but coming for the first
time, Maud. and his voice broke
staying with me-always.
He rose and turned partly away from
her. quite still. leaning his arms on the
mantepicce. Maud Branson rose too,
and came toward him, her delicate,
beautiful face full of concern. There
WAS nothing about john Rogers to at
tract notice. lie was a very plain man,
10 longer young. but he had at least
some cnaEm OF mind or soul which had
won the love of very beautiful wo-
man. Her dress chung in graceful folds
% her slender figure, a tiliet of blue
bound the golden hair, which was coil
ed in classic simplicity about her head.
lie turned and looked at her, taking
in all the details of the picture; then he
put his head down deJecIedly On his
crossed arms.
Maud extended one hand appeallngiy'
John, you will take it?''
Eyes. Maud" he answered, drawing
his breath hard Il take it-and re-
rounce it. He patted the soft surface
once or twice thoughtfully. ''All that
came with it, and all that goes with it.
Maud. good-hy.'
There was such noble sadness in
his face that it touched her. The proud
head bent lower, until it rested on John
| Rogers shoulder. She raised herself
with ewes still wet.
"Good-by, John. The world can't
| give Just what we want. :"
| mo, dear What is it?"
Your ring"
He took the pretty sapphire ring he
had placed on her hand one day with
only half-realized rapture and slipped
it in his vest pocket. 1t was worthless
now.
And so John Rogers left the house
and threaded his way down through the
busy streets. The sunlight still danced
over him warm and beautiful, kissing
his grave face, his hair, his hands.
land let all other opportunities
glide by ~; he repeated the words te
himself. ruefuly. .'It's not the old
fashioned love; not the love | used tC
dream of when | was 4 boy. Perhap:
there isn't any nowadays"
He looked very tired rs he ran up thu
steps and rang at the door of his board
inC-house. Clarice noticed it, his land
lady's daughter
.;You look tired, Mr.. Rogers" look
ing up from her work and speaking
through the open door
He smiled, wearily.
"Do !? And what are you doing
Clarice? Sill sewing for those harden
ed little wretches?
Yes; isn't this Il big hole l am darn
ing? Boys do wear out their clothin:
so fast. You are home early from tn
Office.
Yes, | had an engagement at
> O'Clock and did not care to 60 back
Nav | come in and have 4 chat wit
you?"
20, yes, if YOU care to-" with he
| quick smile smile which her eyes bt
| lied, and which always seemed to job
made to order" She pulled forwar
a chair without rising, and went o
!. with her darning again. Il sit in her
I because It's cool, and always do IN
D sewing afternoons; in the morning
there is housework.
1t was shabby little parlor. seldom
used by the boarderS, who were prime
pallv gentlemen, and spent their ev'
ninos ont, if not In their own rooms
A lew tawdry decorations only enhance
the shabbimess of the threadbare ca
T. pet, dirty walls, and ancient lace Gu
tains.
= DO you never have any amusement
= Clarice?" asked John, trying to forg
his own Indebtedness by interestin
himself in some one else.
..Amuscments?" she repeated. pus
ing the curls off her forehead in a pu
zled way 20, yes; there is a M
p Jones; he plays the piano; and once NJ
= Aikens. the elocuIion teacher, read
piece and all the boarders came in"
John sEliled, eyeing the little maidt
pitvingly as she stitched away 81
looked up suddenly and caught his ey
I'VE did not~always keep boarders,
she said, proudly. reading somethir
] there she did not like. "When ] was